I've always said that using trends is no different to using going, distance, handicap mark ect, the more information a punter has the better chance you have of winning.

You don't have to literally look at a trend and say 'Right okay I can't back that now because it's a five year-old and they don't win this race.' But you could look at why a five year-old hasn't won it, is there a particular reason that makes you sit up and take notice?

I use trends as a help, nothing more, nothing less, after all whatever aid we can get to beat those 'nasty bookie chaps' the better eh!!

Had a good run from the two Ragtime picks in the Lincoln on Saturday, before they faded out of the places. So far, the picks are +11.00pts LSP, and it's on to the Irish Grand National today.

Putting one forward at a true rags price - Carloswayback 40/1 (60/1 on exchanges as I type this). This one was a decent novice winner last year showing good jumping skills. Still lightly raced and while he had been disappointing after that win the trainer reports he ran encouragingly last time when needing the race, showing he had potential for the future. Ran very well in defeat at 3m on soft prior to the Punchestown win so has some stamina, although this distance is an unknown as it is to many of these. A reasonable outsider.